Types of School

Question 1

What is a grammar school?

Answer 1

A school that is selective based on academic ability e.g. through 11+ test

Question 2

What are the strengths and weaknesses of grammar schools?

AO3

Answer 2

PRO: Meritocratic - based on ability
CON: Determined based on ability at a young age - inaccessible for late bloomers

Question 3

How do the theories view grammar schools?

Answer 3

Marxists - enforces class divisions as they are typically occupied by the middle class

Question 4

What are private schools?

Answer 4

Independent schools which set their own curriculum and admissions policies. They are funded by fees paid by parents and investors

Question 5

What are the strengths and weaknesses of private schools?

AO3

Answer 5

PRO: Better quality education - smaller class sizes
CONS: Excludes WC - enhances class divide

Question 6

How do the theories view private schools?

Answer 6

Marxist - reproduces class inequality
Functionalists - inequality is necessary

Question 7

What are state comprehensive schools?

Answer 7

Aim to educate all pupils regardless of their background or ability. The aim is to ensure that all children have access to the same level and quality of education

Question 8

What are the strengths and weaknesses of state schools?

AO3

Answer 8

PROS: Diversity - accepts students from all backgrounds, makes education accessible to everyone
CONS: Not as meritocratic as believed - based on sets and streams, furthers class divide

Question 9

How do the theories view state schools?

Answer 9

Marxist: sets and streams disadvantage WC
New Right: state schools are failing to meet their aims - ‘one size fits all’ approach failing disadvantaged pupils

Question 10

What are specialist schools?

Answer 10

Schools that specialise in a chosen subject area. Get extra funding from from gov and sponsors. Can select 10% of pupils based on apptitude in chosen subject area

Question 11

What are the strengths and weaknesses of specialist schools?

AO3

Answer 11

PROS: Get additional dunding based on subject, helps parentocracy
CONS: Selective - should be based on catchment area

Question 12

How do the theories view specialist schools?

Answer 12

New Right: support it as its more privatised - raises standards

Question 13

What is a free school?

Answer 13

Set up by parents, teachers, charities, religious leaders, etc. By pass LEA and have greater control over finances and curriculum

Question 14

What are the strengths and weaknesses of free schools?

AO3

Answer 14

PRO: Increases parentocracy
CON: Research shows that they often underperform

Question 14

How do the theories view free schools?

Answer 14

New Right - more privatised

Question 15

What are faith schools?

Answer 15

Run similarly to state schools but selective based on religion and have a religious education in their curriculum

Question 16

What are the strengths and weaknesses of faith schools?

AO3

Answer 16

PRO: Increases parentocracy
CON: Inconsistencies in curriculum

Question 17

How do the theories view faith schools?

Answer 17

Marxists - religion is an ideological state apparatus
Post Modernists - pick n mix society

Question 18

What are academies?

Answer 18

Independently managed schools set up by sponsors who work with local authority and gov. They have greater control over finances and teachers’ pay. Can be city academies or outstanding academies

Question 18

What are the strengths and weaknesses of academies?

AO3

Answer 18

PRO: Less pressure on gov allows the school to stay open with more fundings
CON: Can change education/recruitment policies at will that parents/teachers don’t like

Question 19

What are special schools?

Answer 19

Pupils who have been assessed and given a statement of SEN attend these schools. May include learning or physical disabilities. Can be state funded or independent

Question 19

How do the theories view academies?

Answer 19

New Right - more privatised

Question 20

What are the strengths and weaknesses of special schools?

AO3

Answer 20

PRO: All pupils needs are met
CONS: Isolates pupils, limited curriculum, some require payment

Question 21

How do the theories view special schools?

Answer 21

Functionalists - all students need are met which helps society function
Post Modernists - individualisation